Browsing by Author "Mukasa, Yosia"

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An atoxigenic L-strain of Aspergillus flavus (Eurotiales : Trichocomaceae) is pathogenic to the coffee twig borer, Xylosandrus compactus (Coleoptera: Curculionidea: Scolytinae)
(Environmental Microbiology Reports, 2018-10-11) Mukasa, Yosia; Kyamanywa, Samuel; Sserumaga, Julius P.; Otim, Michael; Tumuhaise, Venansio; Erbaugh, Mark; Egonyu, James P.
This study isolated and evaluated virulence of fungal entomopathogens of Xylosandrus compactus – an important pest of Robusta coffee in Sub-Saharan Africa. A survey was conducted in five farming systems in Uganda to isolate entomopathogens associated with X. compactus. Four fungal isolates were screened for virulence against X. compactus in the laboratory at 1 × 107 conidia ml−1 where an atoxigenic L-strain of A. flavus killed 70%–100% of all stages of X. compactus compared with other unidentified isolates which caused 20%–70% mortalities. The time taken by A. flavus to kill 50% of X. compactus eggs, larvae, pupae and adults in the laboratory was 2–3 days; whereas the other unidentified fungal isolates took 4–7 days. The concentrations of A. flavus that killed 50% of different stages of X. compactus were 5 × 105, 12 × 105, 17 × 105 and 30 × 105 conidia ml−1 for larvae, eggs, pupae and adults respectively. A formulation of A. flavus in oil caused higher mortalities of X. compactus larvae, pupae and adults in the field (71%–79%) than its formulation in water (33%–47%). The atoxigenic strain of A. flavus could therefore be developed into a safe biopesticide against X. compactus.
Prioritising non-native pest species to inform plant health biosecurity policy decisions and to safeguard agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, and livelihoods in Uganda /
(Frontirs in Agronomy, 2025-08-07) Mulema, Joseph; Nankinga, Caroline; Kagorora, John Patrick Kanahe; Tusiime, Geoffrey; Amayo, Robert; Chemonges, Martin; Gumisiriya, Costa; Kato, Fred; Kigongo, Boniface Mulindwa; Kutunga, David; Mudde, Barnabas; Muhumuza, John Bosco; Mukasa, Yosia; Musiimenta, Herbert; Muzira, Fred; Namasa, Emmanuel John; Idd, Ramathan; Sebutare, Gilbert; Ssamula, Alexander; Tukahirwa, Benius; Opio, Samuel Morris; Obare, Ivan Juma; Aliamo, Caroline; Alokit, Christine; Tumuhaise, Venansio; Karanja, Daniel; Mwambu, Paul; Oronje, MaryLucy; Athman, Shahasi Yusuf; Akiri, Morris; Rwomushana, Ivan; Tugume, Joab; Talwana, Herbert; Onkendi, Edward; Ochwo, Mildred
In recent years, various invasive species have been introduced to sub-Saharan Africa, partly due to insufficient information about potential invasions, which has led countries to respond reactively rather than proactively. This information can be gathered through horizon scanning. Using the CABI Horizon Scanning Tool, 9,071 pest species have been identified as unreported in Uganda. A subset of 1,517 was prioritised for rapid risk assessment based on guidelines that evaluated the likelihood of entry and establishment, the magnitude of socio-economic and environmental impact, as well as potential pathways of introduction. These pest species included 357 arthropods, 130 bacteria, 74 chromista, 417 fungi, 19 molluscs, 124 nematodes, nine protists, and 387 viruses and viroids, of which 360 of the 1,517 were reported as invasive. Vectors and vectored organisms were also assessed to determine their associated risk. Management actions were recommended for 618 species, which included 160 arthropods, 70 bacteria, 30 chromista, 174 fungi, six molluscs, 41 nematodes, three protists, eight viroids, and 126 viruses. These pest species either attained an overall risk score of 54 and above or a lower score for specific pest species. The actions included targeted surveillance, regulation supported by pest risk analysis, contingency planning, publicity, management by the industry, and research. This information is vital for risk monitoring and management and can be utilised by countries in the East African Region.